VIDEO: Susan Boyle chats ahead of Sheffield show

Graham Walker

It’s one of the most memorable moments in TV history – when Susan Boyle walked on the Britian’s Got Talent stage and reminded the world that real beauty shines from within, writes Graham Walker.

In front of hard-to-please Simon Cowell and millions of television viewers was this little woman, the wrong side of 45, unemployed, with untamed eyebrows, greying curls and in a dowdy dress.

Susan Boyle at Sheffield City Hall on Wednesday, April 9, 2014.

“What’s the dream,” asked Cowell, drawing sniggers from the theatre audience, who had seen too many unlikely looking wannabes fall at the first hurdle.

But none of us were prepared for the jaw-dropping moment that happened next.

SuBo, as she was to become known by the red top tabloids, in her strong Scottish accent revealed she did have a dream, to be a professional singer.

Aptly, she burst into I Dreamed A Dream, from Les Misérables. And by the time she had finished the song’s opening phrase there was a standing ovation for the mezzo-soprano voice of an angel.

Susan Boyle at Sheffield City Hall on Wednesday, April 9, 2014.

The YouTube clip has been viewed by over 146 million people.

Three number one albums, two other top 10 CDs, 20 millions record sales, a biographical stage musical and a film role later, her amazing transformation continues.

Five years after that first modest appearance she is a lady transformed, emerging as a beautifully elegant 52-year-old for all to see in these new glamorous photos promoting her forthcoming world tour.

She’s bringing the show to Sheffield City Hall on Wednesday, April 9 and we caught up with her for an exclusive chat.

Susan Boyle at Sheffield City Hall on Wednesday, April 9, 2014.

VIDEO: Press the play button to watch Graham Walker’s chat with Susdan Boyle.

WIN TICKETS AND SIGNED ALBUMS - SEE BELOW.

For all the makeover, the wonderful thing about Susan Boyle is she hasn’t really changed one bit.

She still lives modestly, has never married and continues to put family, friends and now fans first. She dedicated herself to care for her ageing mother until her death at the age of 91.

Susan Boyle and Donny Osmond

In 2012, Susan was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, a form of autism, but she refuses to let it make any difference to her life and what she does best – singing.

She really Dreamed A Dream and it came true, didn’t it?

“It sort of came true, in a round about way. I wasn’t really trying to make it come true,” she says gracefully, of her big break almost five years ago to the day.

“It seems a lifetime but it’s flown by so quickly – it only seems like a week. I just decided to go on and have a good laugh. I had been to so many auditions before and not done very well, so I thought if I didn’t do well on this one, it wouldn’t do me any harm.

“So I just went out there and enjoyed it. And that’s what happened.

“To others I’d say just go ahead, if you want to live your dream, go ahead, go for it. Because you only get one shot.

Win a signed copy of Susan Boyle's lartest album

“Some people have told me I’m an inspiration – a lot of people probably thought this industry was for a certain age group, so people just said to themselves, if she can do it, so can I.

“Sometimes you have to pinch yourself because it’s unbelievable – but it can be very humbling as well.”

She says of the tour: “I’ll be doing album hits, some from the musicals, standards, jazz pieces and surprises – something for everyone.

“There’s a lot of hard work involved. But it’s worth it. I love singing live, recording and doing the promos. The whole thing.

“I also love meeting people and making them laugh.

“I’d like to say to my fans, thank you for your support and come along to the shows and enjoy yourself. I like to make them feel as if they can talk to you, like a big sister.

“Without them I wouldn’t have a show. Without a show you wouldn’t have your dream.”

Tickets are £37.50, £45 and VIP Hospitality £95, booking fees may apply. Buy in person, online with full details at www.sheffieldcityhall.co.uk or call 0114 2789789. Also see The Star’s entertainments listings site at www.wow247.co.uk.

win susan boyle signed album and tickets

I Dreamed A Dream star Susan Boyle has revealed her new dream – she wants to fly to new heights with top crooner Michael Buble.

In an exclusive chat with The Star she said she would love to duet with him

“I would like to work with Michael Buble and probably do Come Fly With Me,” she told us.

She’s already performed with some of the world’s biggest names including Donny Osmond, Michael Crawford, Johnny Matthis and even Elvis Presley.

Susan is the only person to be allowed to feature on a posthumous duet with Elvis – on a version of O Come, All Ye Faithful, featured on her latest top 10 festive album, Home For Christmas.

We’ve got 20 signed copies of the album to be won and our first five winners will also get a pair of tickets each to see her live at Sheffield City Hall on Wednesday, April 9, 7.30pm.

For your chance to win enter our free draw by text, post or Twitter.

Text STA (SPACE) followed by RED2 (SPACE), then your name, house number and postcode, and send to 61500. Texts cost £1 plus your usual network rate.

Terms and conditions: These apply to all competitions in SNL titles and online, unless otherwise stated or as amended in association with specific promotions. Usual SNL rules apply - copies or requests, to SNL Promotions Manager, The Star, York Street, Sheffield. The Editor’s decision is final. No cash alternatives available. No correspondence will be entered into. Transport not included, unless specified. The winner(s), who must agree to publicity, will be the first correct entry drawn at random after deadline, or as indicated. A parent or guardian must enter or endorse entries on behalf of children aged under 18. A responsible adult must accompany any child winner or guest. SNL is not liable for failure to attend or for cancellations of any event. No photocopied entry forms or tokens allowed. Where applicable, unless otherwise stated, one web entry form, token or other web entry per person only. Individual entry forms and tokens by detailed request, with a stamped self addressed envelope, to the competition address. No purchase necessary. Failure to agree to terms and conditions makes winning entries void. Winners will usually be notified within seven working days after deadline, or as specified.

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